Remy Gardner looks forward to season 2019 after successful test at Jerez with SAG Racing Team
Luca Marini (Sky Racing Team VR46) was quickest overall at the recent Moto2 three-day test at Jerez, followed by Sam Lowes (Federal Oil Gresini Moto2) and Alex Marquez (EG 0,0 Marc VDS).
Next best though was young Australian Remy Gardner, in what was a great boost for the son of 1987 World Champion, Wayne, and will fill him with confidence as he looks towards season 2019 with a new squad, and a new machine.
20-year-old Gardner had a difficult season with Tech3, the French squad used their own chassis throughout this year’s championship and while Remy finished the season on a high with fifth place at Valencia, it was not a season without difficulty, and injury.
Gardner has obviously enjoyed the switch to the more dominant Kalex frame, and his move into the SAG Racing Team that he will contest the Moto2 Championship with in 2019, alongside Japanese team-mate, 26-year-old Tetsuta Nagashima.
Remy Gardner
“To finish off the season in P5 in Valencia was a real high for me, it was nice to give the Tech3 Team one last result before I left.
“I was going to Jerez with very high hopes after the last few races. The new team are great, and I couldn’t be happier. I got on really really well with my crew chief, and I’m impressed with his work so far.
“The new Triumph engine is absolutely awesome, so much torque and a lot faster. A different riding style was needed compared to the CBR600 engine. More stop and go, a little MotoGP style even.
“The Kalex works an absolute dream. Right from the first laps I felt so comfortable, the front end is amazing and the grip is on a another planet. I’m only left thinking what would have been if I had this opportunity before.
“We still need to work on our settings as I’m still not feeling 100 per cent with the bike yet, but we’re not far off.
“KTM at the moment seem to have big troubles with their frame, many riders told me they have unbelievable chatter problems so it seems I made the right choice with Kalex!
“Anyway now I have a preseason to prepare and focus on next year. Can’t wait for what’s to come!”
Now of course Moto2, like the other classes of MotoGP, are in European winter recess, with the new era of Triumph Moto2 power next firing up for an Official Test on the 20th-22nd February at Jerez.
Moto2 Jerez Test 2019 – Jerez
Three-Day Combined Times
- Luca Marini 1m41.523
- Sam Lowes 1m41.792
- Alex Marquez 1m41.901
- Remy Gardner 1m41.991
- Lorenzo Baldasarri 1m42.035
- Jorge Navarro 1m42.196
- Marcel Schrotter 1m42.241
- Augusto Fernandez 1m42.264
- Tetsuta Nagashima 1m42.282
- Xavi Vierge 1m42.305
- Nicolo Bulega 1m42.311
- Tom Luthi 1m42.361
- Brad Binder 1m42.465
- Stefano Manzi 1m42.743
- Simone Corsi 1m42.782
- Fabio Di Giannantonio 1m42.812
- Enea Bastianini 1m42.875
- Steven Odendaal 1m42.880
- Andrea Locatelli 1m42.888
- Lukas Tulovic 1m42.916
- Khairul Idham Pawi 1m43.012
- Dominique Aegerter 1m43.123
- Jorge Martin 1m43.361
- Dimas Ekky Pratama 1m43.505
- Marco Bezzecchi 1m43.652
- Iker Lecuona 1m43.653
- Somkiat Chandra 1m43.900
- Jake Dixon 1m44.148
- Philipp Oettl 1m44.207
- Bo Bendsneyder 1m44.564
- Xaiver Cardelus 1m44.803
Images by Rafa / SAG Team
Source: MCNews.com.au